two fires. The frontal
attack was within 200 yards. The rear attack, flushed with success,
were hurrying impetuously forward. The defeat and consequent total
destruction of the Kassala column appeared certain. But in the nick of
time the Dervish frontal attack, which had been suffering heavily from
the fire of the troops, wavered; and when the Arab battalion and the
16th Egyptians advanced upon them to complete their discomfiture, they
broke and fled. Colonel Parsons at once endeavoured to meet the rear
attack. The Arab battalion, whose valour was more admirable than their
discipline, continued to pursue the beaten enemy down the hill; but
the 16th Egyptians, on being called upon by their commanding officer,
Captain McKerrell, faced steadily about and turned to encounter the
fresh attack.

The heavy fire of the regular battalion checked the Dervish advance, and
Captain Fleming, the rest of the dismounted camel-men, and Ruthven
still carrying his native officer, found safety in their ranks. [For
his gallantry on this occasion Captain Ruthven has since received the
Victoria Cross.] A short fierce musketry combat followed at a range of
less than a hundred yards, at the end of which the assailants of the
baggage convoy were completely repulsed. The action was now practically
over and success was won. The Arab battalion, and those of the
irregulars that had rallied, advanced and drove the enemy before them
towards Gedaref, until at ten o'clock, both their front and rear attacks
having failed, the Dervishes abandoned all resistance and a general rout
ensued. No cavalry or artillery being available, further pursuit was
impossible.

The town of Gedaref surrendered at noon. The Dervish Emir, Nur Angara,
who with 200 black riflemen and two brass guns had been left in command
of the garrison, made haste to submit. The remainder of the Dervishes,
continuing their flight under the Emir Saadalla, hurried to tell the
tale of defeat to Ahmed Fedil.

The casualties suffered by the Kassala column in the action were severe
in proportion to their numbers and the duration of the fight. The
seven British officers escaped untouched; but of the 1,400 soldiers and
irregulars engaged, 51 were killed and 80 wounded--a total of 131. The
Dervishes left 500 dead on the field, including four Emirs of rank.

The victory had been won, the enemy were routed, and the town was
taken: it had now to be defended. Colonel Parsons took possession of
the